Happy Tuesday, Wilmington. In today’s edition: Child care crisis, Winter Break Fun, Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in concert, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Quiet dedication, big difference: NPR’s Here to Help spotlights retired nurse Doris Robinson, who shows up weekly at Lower Cape Fear’s diaper bank, as consistent volunteers sustain aid while families struggle to afford diapers — read the full story.

Landscaping dispute spurs talks: After outcry over Fifth Avenue’s resident-tended median garden, Wilmington held a community meeting Dec. 15 to gather feedback and discuss a proposal for expanded community participation and compliant maintenance — see how you can weigh in.

Child care under pressure: Advocates and employers in Wilmington described a child care crisis as costs rise, margins stay thin, and New Hanover County loses $79 million annually with 472 children on subsidy waitlists — see what’s driving the crisis.

Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since January. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week

• Winter break adventures at Cape Fear Museum
• Watch The Muppet Christmas Carol in concert
• Cruise the Cape Fear’s holiday lights
• Experience a free holiday choral concert
• Cruise the Cape Fear with Santa
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A home warranty that actually pays is 30% off

🫶 We got your back

Firm deepens community roots: Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage has opened a Burgaw office at 203 S. Wright St., expanding its Pender County footprint. Managing broker Jaime Dorn will lead the team. The Wilmington-based firm remains a regional heavyweight, logging more than $2.9 billion in 2024 sales across 7,200-plus transactions. Read the full story.

A destination for relaxation: Woodhouse Spa Wilmington opened this week at The Forum across from Mayfaire, offering luxury facials, massage, body treatments, and non-toxic nail care. Owned by Rachel and Bram Colonna, the franchise starts with 22 staff and expects to hire more as demand grows. See services and hiring plans.

Movie night without the mall: Skip the megaplex and catch a curated mix of first-run gems, repertory favorites, and art-house standouts at Thalian Hall Cinema. This week’s lineup moves from new releases to holiday throwbacks like A Christmas Story and cult thrills like Black Christmas, with a crowd that actually loves movies.

Hear me out: My mom’s been asking people to repeat themselves 5,281 times too many for years. She always avoided hearing aids like the plague — they’re clunky, obvious, expensive, not really worth it. I always thought “she’s not wrong” until I saw these new invisible hearing aids going viral. In the same boat? Now’s a great time to check them out before unused health benefits expire on the 31st.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now + you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🥂 [WSO Holly Jolly [Mid-Season] Holiday Mixer](https://baselocal.com/nc/wilmington/events/#/details/wso-holly-jolly-midseason-holiday-mixer/17247546/2025-12-17T17) @ Bourgie Nights | Wednesday (12/17) at 5:30pm – Because December shouldn’t hog the cheer, Wilmington Symphony is throwing a kitschy mid-season holiday mixer with treats, a cash bar, movies, and an ugly outfit showdown. Bring canned goods for Good Shepherd, grab early-bird tickets, and support WSO’s youth music programs with sensory-friendly options.

🎨 Mary’s Art Explorers @ Cameron Art Museum | Thursday (12/18) at 10:00am – A festive favorite gets a creative twist with this holiday edition of Mary’s Art Explorers. Little art lovers will cozy up for a reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, then roll up their sleeves for a heart-growing holiday craft. Bonus for parents: your registration includes museum admission all day, so the exploring doesn’t have to stop when storytime ends.

🎄 Holiday Show @ Cape Fear Community College | Thursday (12/18) at 7:30pm – Ready to trade mall jingles for the real thing? The legendary Michael Feinstein brings a polished, multimedia croonfest of holiday standards and a few curveballs, from White Christmas to Winter Wonderland, the perfect excuse to sit still, sip something, and feel fancy.

🎤 Aaron Berg @ Dead Crow Comedy | Friday (12/19) at 7:00pm – Known for fast-paced, fearless stand-up, Aaron Berg brings his unfiltered comedy style to Dead Crow for two nights. You may recognize him from Kill Tony or Comedy Central — now catch him live. Expect big laughs, bold takes, and a night that’s definitely not quiet.

🌈 Kaleidoscope Play and Learn @ Northeast Regional Library | Friday (12/19) at 10:30am – Your tiny tornadoes, ages 0 to 5, are taking over Northeast Library for a Kaleidoscope playgroup led by Smart Start of NHC. Expect creative play you do not have to set up or clean, a snack provided, and a guilt-free chance to chat with grownups.

This weekend

🧶 Fiber Arts Group, Crochet, Knitting, Macramé @ Pine Valley Library | Saturday (12/20) at 1:00pm – Whether you crochet, knit, macramé, or just untangle yarn with conviction, the Pine Valley Library’s fiber arts meetup is a low-pressure hangout with experts and zero judgment. All levels welcome, bring your WIP, your reading glasses, and your best gossip. Saturdays, unless the library’s closed.

🐸 Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film @ CFCC’s Wilson Center | Saturday (12/20) at 2:00pm – WSO is playing The Muppet Christmas Carol live to film, keeping perfect time while Kermit, Gonzo, and Michael Caine do the holiday heavy lifting. It is peak cozy nostalgia with a real orchestra, so bring family, and yes, even tiny Tims need tickets.

🎶 Wilmington Voices @ Music on Market | Saturday (12/20) at 7:30pm – This free choral concert from Wilmington Voices trades mall Muzak for goosebumps, serving up beloved carols, rich harmonies, and cozy-season warmth. It’s open to everyone, family friendly, and costs zero. Seating is limited and first come, so arrive early and bring your festive spirit.

🎸 The Snozzberries @ The Palm Room | Saturday (12/20) at 10:00pm – Expect a late-night set full of psychedelic rock, prog twists, and funk-driven grooves. The Snozzberries are known for high-energy shows that stretch, swirl, and keep the dance floor moving well past bedtime.

❄️ Winter Break Fun @ Cape Fear Museum | Sunday (12/21) at 1:00pm – Give the grandkids a proper winter break at Cape Fear Museum, where hands-on science, local history, and just enough chaos to tire them out await. It’s warm, interesting, and someone else handles the glitter. You get brownie points, they get adventure.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/16 Karaoke Tuesdays @ Seven Mile Post – 7 pm
• 12/16 Drum Circle @ Barzarre – 7 pm
• 12/16 Mariachi Herencia de México and more @ Cape Fear Community College – 7:30 pm
• 12/16 La Nueva Generación @ Wilson Center – 7:30 pm
• 12/17 Music Bingo @ Locals Tavern – 6:30 pm
• 12/17 Improv Night @ Dead Crow Comedy – 8:30 pm
• 12/18 Holiday Show @ Cape Fear Community College – 7:30 pm
• 12/18 Open Mic Comedy @ Dead Crow Comedy – 8 pm
• 12/18 Disciple of The Garden @ Bowstring Burgers – 8 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Michael G Rheel (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties)

In Avenel, an Intracoastal community in Porters Neck, this 5-bed, 4-bath home blends classic millwork with smart comforts. A Mendota fireplace anchors the vaulted living room with built-ins and double doors to a screened porch. Wolf induction with downdraft, a chocolate-brown farmhouse sink, RO water, and pantry. Spa primary suite, an office-ready bedroom off the garage, and upper rooms with eave storage and a herringbone semi-private bath.

Two-tier outdoor living with Trex above and a paver terrace below, built-in seating, fireplace, and gas hookup. Marsh-pond views, surround sound, plus app-controlled plant watering. Assigned 26-foot, 4,600-pound boat slip through 2032.

Take a peek inside →